Monday, January 19, 2009

What the Doctor said.

After work, I went to my "primary care physician" for the second time in two years. I'd forgotten what a great guy he is, easy to talk to, relaxed (I want to be on whatever he's on). My reason for going was that my prescription for blood pressure medicine had run out, and even though my BP isn't horrible without it, it's high enough to do some long-term damage to those little red hoses running through my body.

I've always loved going to doctors, which is ironic, since I hardly ever go, and it was especially fun to be going to a professional who wasn't going to stick horrible things in my mouth. Back when I was a young mother - high-strung, under-pampered, and most likely depressed - I would cry the moment a doctor asked me how I was. I think it was because no one else ever asked and really cared what the answer was. It's a miracle I wasn't subsequently doped up with anti-depressants.

But today, I got to connect with someone who likes to talk about all the same things I like to talk about, including me. (ha!) He (a licensed medical doctor!) agreed with me about high fructose corn syrup, and was very interested when I told him the significant effect that giving up soda had on my blood pressure. He was impressed that I'm eating more fresh, natural foods, that I'm trying to avoid manmade processed crap, that I know I need to exercise more and that I'm aware of the effects of sodium on my body. After writing my scripts, he told me to come back in 6 months, or sooner if I wanted to. I said that it was probably time for me to have a physician other than my self. When he asked if I "go online," I wanted to say, "Of course! Where do you think I got my medical degree?" But I didn't, and he passed along a couple of websites about natural health that he thought would interest me.

It kinda made that whole dentist ordeal go away for a while.

12 comments:

Linda said...

HFCS is evil. It should be banned. I, too, have an online M.D. I'm lucky that my doc often listens (and learns) from me...LOL!

Marchelle said...

I could hear the nurse's eyes roll when I asked her over the phone how to spell what it was that the dr said was wrong with me so I could google it. They usually LOVE that!

I'm glad you have a good doctor that takes an interest in your health! I don't LOVE my family doctor. She suggested maybe I had sand fleas (2 months after going to the beach) when I went to see her about a rash. I really, really like my OBGYN. The fact that he looks A LOT like Richard Gere helps. Just thought you should know that.

LERMONTOV said...

Self - medicating is the only way to go!

Unknown said...

I MD myself all the time. Death to HFCS and other forms of it!

Simon Butler said...

What have you got against processed crap?

Got to agree with the remarks made about the internet though. Some doctors must hate that. Really though, for someone of my age it still seems remarkable that so much information can be so easily available: information that doctors guarded with their lives when I was younger.

becomingkate said...

I try to avoid the HFCS too. That stuff will lead me to diabetes (**shudder**)

Benita said...

What a great doc! Sounds like you're on the right path with your health!

Anonymous said...

Doctor? What doctor? LOL. I take no medications except for a pre-natal vitamin. Haven't taken even as much as a tylenol in 3 or more years and high frutose corn syrup is poison. Shall I add aspertame? Sounds like you've got a great relationship with your PCP.

jadedj said...

I have two doctors. One is a specialist for my RA. Both are female, and both encourage using the internet to further educate myself regarding symptoms. I love them both...in addition to my wife, that is.

doanli said...

Wow, a lot of what your blogging about is hitting home for me (the mom no one ever asks how she is doing, the dentist ordeal...)

Keep blogging...:)

Knifeboy said...

Dentists- Ugh. I've always hated them. And wait until you are fifty and the doctors want to probe your rectum once a year for polyps. Ugh again. How's that for a cherry little comment?

Dorrie said...

I'm ashamed to say I keep forgetting to arrange an appointment at my dentist (last time 4 yrs ago) and my gyno (I think I forgot last year). Since I feel pretty healthy, I just forget! lol

yeh, the dentist one I keep pushing off, and pushing off.... I wonder why? ;-)